Clariant And Tianjin University Successfully Renew Catalyst Research Cooperation Agreement, Opening A New Chapter In Cooperation

• Clariant and Tianjin University extend strategic partnership in advanced catalyst R&D for four years
• Since signing the cooperation agreement in 2020 , the two parties have successfully launched a new hydrogenation catalyst and optimized existing catalysts
• The two partners will continue to explore innovations in catalysis research and strengthen knowledge exchange and sharing

Clariant, a specialty chemicals company focused on sustainability, announced today that it will extend its catalyst research partnership with Tianjin University, a renowned Chinese university. The cooperation between the two parties officially kicked off with the establishment of the “Clariant-Tianjin University Society” in 2020. The four-year extension is mainly due to the important achievements made by both parties during the previous cooperation period, including the successful commercialization of a new hydrogenation catalyst and the optimization of existing catalysts. The two parties will continue to leverage Tianjin University’s cutting-edge research capabilities and chemical expertise to promote innovation and sustainable development in the field of catalysis.

 Marvin Estenfelder, Vice President R&D at Clariant Catalysts, said: “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with the talented team at Tianjin University. Together, we have achieved important results in catalyst technology that improves the efficiency and sustainability of our products. We look forward to continuing our groundbreaking research with Tianjin University and training the next generation of catalytic technology experts.”

In the new stage of cooperation, Ma Aide will give an academic report to students from the School of Chemical Engineering of Tianjin University on how innovative catalysts can support the sustainable development transformation of the chemical (petrochemical) industry and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Professor Hu Wenping, Executive Vice President of Tianjin University, said: “The collaboration with Clariant has greatly benefited our teachers and students, providing them with valuable opportunities and practical experience. In addition to jointly developing and improving catalysts, some graduate students have published excellent academic papers based on their learning results. This renewal will ensure that our catalyst innovation and talent training work will continue to advance.”

By renewing the cooperation agreement, Clariant and Tianjin University will make full use of each other’s advanced facilities, empower experienced researchers, and jointly promote some cooperative projects that are expected to achieve major innovations in the field of catalyst technology. This cooperation further demonstrates Clariant’s commitment to the Chinese market and further strengthens its ties with local customers.

www.clariant.com

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Tomato Jos Wins The 2024 SAVE FOOD Project Competition

Every year, the SAVE FOOD project competition honours exemplary projects. This year, the award and the funding amount of 10,000 euros are going to Nigeria, where a combination of modern technology, transport packaging, education programmes and direct market access has significantly reduced post-harvest losses.

10,000 euros for reducing food loss and waste: For the second time, the SAVE FOOD initiative is supporting a specific project of one of its members as part of its annual competition. Tomato Jos Farming and Processing Limited is the winner of the 2024 SAVE FOOD project competition. This initiative supports small farmers in Nigeria in cultivating, processing and marketing tomatoes more efficiently.

“Tomato Jos has already achieved a great deal and shown how much potential is created when players along the entire processing, packaging and distribution chain are systematically supported”, explains Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack and the SAVE FOOD Initiative. “The project proves that innovative approaches not only help to reduce food loss but also create sustainable economic and social structures.” Due to its consistent focus on practical solutions, Tomato Jos has already reduced post-harvest losses of tomatoes by approximately 45 percent.

Between surplus and imports

Nigeria is the largest producer of tomatoes in Africa south of the Sahara. Despite this, the country imports tomato products worth millions of US dollars per year. Why? Almost half of the crop yield spoils due to a lack of cold chains, poor storage and transport facilities and high temperatures and humidity, which is an economic disaster for the small farmers.

Tomato Jos, founded in 2014 by Mira Mehta, runs farms, creates jobs and produces its own brand of tomato paste in Kaduna. Training programmes teach small farmers modern cultivation methods while high-quality seeds, fertiliser and technologies ensure higher yields. An innovative credit system facilitates establishing productive operations and reinforces the farmers’ financial independence. “Among other things, we provide small farmers with knowledge about when to ideally harvest tomatoes and how to best sort and package them”, says CEO Mira Mehta.

 Transport packaging is the key to success

One of Tomato Jos’ pragmatic solutions is the use of large-capacity crates. These sustainable packaging solutions significantly reduce damage to the tomatoes compared to the woven baskets that are traditionally used. They protect the fruit during transport and are easy to stack thanks to their uniform design. The available space in lorries is used optimally, reducing transport cost per unit. Additional training for the transport personnel in handling the tomatoes when loading and unloading is also having a positive effect.

New impetus for 2025

With the SAVE FOOD Award prize money, Tomato Jos is further expanding its activities. The project is investing in education programmes on pest control, new tomato varieties and improved packaging systems. “This award is a springboard so that thousands of farmers can profit and optimise their harvest yield”, says Mira Mehta.

The 2024 SAVE FOOD project competition winner was announced in December at pacprocess MEA in Cairo, an event organised by the interpack alliance. The professional jury consisted of members of the WPO (World Packaging Organisation), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation), UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) and interpack/Messe Düsseldorf.

https://www.save-food.org/

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Vianode Signs USD Multi-Billion Long-Term Supply Agreement For EV Battery-Grade Anode Graphite With GM

Vianode, an advanced battery materials company, has been selected as a strategic supplier of high-performance anode graphite solutions to General Motors (NYSE: GM). The agreement covers development of large-scale manufacturing capacity and supply of synthetic anode graphite towards 2033.

 The master supply agreement has a USD multi-billion value for Vianode and marks an important step forward in strengthening the North American battery and EV supply chain.

The high-performance anode graphite will be shipped from Vianode’s IRA compliant large-scale plant in North America with production starting in 2027. The agreement, that includes a minimum off-take commitment, follows a multi-year qualification process, demonstrating that the anode graphite produced at Vianode’s pilot plant in Norway meets stringent performance and validation requirements.

Under the supply agreement, the material will be used by Ultium Cells LLC – GM’s battery cell manufacturing joint venture with LG Energy Solution for next-generation EV batteries and drive units. Under the agreement, deliveries may be extended to include other joint ventures.

“Vianode’s advanced battery materials enable cost-efficient batteries and EVs with better performances and a fraction of the carbon emissions of conventional technologies. Our recent creation of Vianode North America and this agreement to supply GM’s North American EV business, are key building blocks for a local, resilient supply chain for critical battery materials outside of Asia. We are proud of and honored that GM has chosen us as a strategic partner. This underlines Vianode’s capability and the way in which we will contribute to shaping the North American battery value chain.” says Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.

“This agreement with Vianode for the development of artificial graphite is another great example of GM’s strategic effort to build a sustainable battery supply chain in North America,” said Jeff Morrison, senior vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at General Motors. “This project will help advance our battery technology and drive greater value to our customers.”

Anode graphite is the largest component of a lithium-ion battery by weight and is a vital material for the energy transition. Vianode produces synthetic anode graphite with a 90% lower CO2 footprint than conventional production methods. Synthetic graphite is manufactured in high-temperature production processes and differs from natural graphite typically mined from carbon-rich rock formations.

Vianode is preparing to develop large-scale sustainable anode graphite production in North America and Europe through a phased multi-billion USD investment program. The company aims to supply advanced materials to 3 million EVs per year by 2030 as a leading provider of advanced anode graphite solutions.

“Vianode empowers battery and EV manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint. We introduced a new industry standard with a verified climate impact of 1.9 kg CO2 equivalents per kilogram of graphite, and target to nearly halve this by 2030. We look forward to collaborating with GM to further develop high-performance products that enable EVs with faster charging, longer range and extended lifespan,” says Dr. Stefan Bergold, the CCO of Vianode.

Vianode has produced anode graphite solutions at its industrial pilot in Kristiansand, Norway since 2021. Vianode’s Technology Center opened in the same city in 2022, and the first full-scale production plant at Herøya, Norway started production in the second half of 2024.

https://www.vianode.com/

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Arburg: Hybrid Machine Technology

Allrounder Hidrive: Hybrid Drive System Combines Benefits Of Electrics And Hydraulics

• Expansion: Hybrid Allrounder with new machine technology in three sizes
• Hybrid alternative: Energy saving, efficient, reduced costs and carbon footprint
• Performance variants: Comfort, Premium and Ultimate – a suitable solution for all requirements

The injection moulding market is in need of modular, adaptable drive systems that can harness the benefits of both electric and hydraulic technology – namely speed and precision paired with power and dynamics. The new, finely graduated hybrid machine technology from Arburg is comparable to all-electric machines in terms of both dry cycle times and injection speeds. This makes the new Allrounder Hidrive (H) an energy-saving alternative to hydraulic machines and an economical alternative to electric machines, unlike anything previously available on the market.

The hybrid Allrounder Hidrive machines are currently available in sizes 470, 520 and 570, and combine an energy-efficient and precise electric clamping unit with a powerful and dynamic hydraulic injection unit.

Hybrid technology a hit with injection moulding companies

The new, finely graduated hybrid machine technology is comparable to all-electric machines in terms of both dry cycle times and injection speeds. The new hybrid machines also boast an optimised energy footprint and reduced cycle times, making them a perfect fit for the times: they save energy, conserve resources and at the same time are efficient in production, user friendly and reliable. In a survey of visitors to the Arburg Anniversary Days 2023, 96 and 95 per cent of respondents rated the new hybrid Allrounder 470 H milestone machine as a suitable replacement for hydraulic machines and electric machines respectively. The new machine technology is suitable for technical injection moulding as well as for demanding applications, for example in the automotive and packaging industries.

Precise electric drive technology

With subsidiary AMKmotion joining the Arburg family, the development and production of the entire powertrain can now be handled in-house. This not only applies to Allrounder injection moulding machines, including the inverter and motor and therefore the centrepiece of the closing system, but also to mould technology, for example.

The planetary roller screw drive in combination with liquid-cooled motors is ideally suited to high-end injection moulding tasks. Using this electric direct drive, which is integrated into the hybrid machines in the Premium and Ultimate performance variants, for example, all positions can be started up extremely quickly and precisely while achieving load-resistant power transmission and a high power density over a long service life – even when the machine is running at full load. Automatic clamping force regulation, which generates a consistent locking force and thus automatically compensates for the thermal expansion of the mould, is available as an option.

 Dynamic hydraulic injection unit

Homogeneous material preparation and precise injection are additional prerequisites for high-quality part production. The hydraulic drives, which have been tried and tested in injection moulding for decades, are sophisticated, robust, low maintenance and durable. They are particularly well suited to high levels of material throughput and generate high forces that can be maintained during any length of holding pressure phase. Depending on the performance variant, the hybrid Allrounders in the Hidrve series combine regulated injection, dynamic hydraulic accumulator technology and an energy-saving servo-electric dosage drive to achieve a high plasticising flow rate.

Three performance variants for optimal adaptation

The hybrid Allrounder Hidrive is available in the “Comfort”, “Premium” and “Ultimate” performance variants and can be customised precisely to the respective requirements. This new generation of machines incorporates many technical innovations that are only available from Arburg. These include a new oil management concept, flow rate splitting and extended use of the Arburg servo hydraulic system.

• The “Comfort” performance variant is intended for technical, thick-walled or relatively simple moulded parts that are typically manufactured in cycle times of 10 to 45 seconds.
• The “Premium” performance variant is further optimised in terms of production efficiency, achieving a dry cycle time of 1.2 seconds. This machine can be used for a variety of demanding applications, such as manufacturing precision components for the automotive and electronics industries. Its standard equipment includes a planetary roller screw drive and the Arburg electro-mechanical dosage (AED) function for a longer dosage time. In addition, the machine features Arburg’s new flow rate splitting for simultaneous, independent movements of two hydraulic secondary axes.
• For its part, the “Ultimate” performance variant is specifically designed for demanding, high-speed processes, such as thin-walled applications in the packaging technology industry. The dry cycle times are significantly shorter than that of the Premium performance variant. The standard equipment for Ultimate machines also includes AED as well as hydraulic accumulator technology and the Gestica control system with the aXw Control ScrewPilot function, which compensates for disruptions in the filling process and stabilises mould filling. All together, this provides for a level of injection precision equivalent to that of an electric injection unit. Dosage across cycles is also possible (optional feature).

Reduced energy requirement thanks to the Arburg servo hydraulic system

All three performance variants are equipped with the Arburg servo hydraulic system (ASH). With this technology, the drive system adjusts continuously to the actual power requirement thanks to a speed-controlled, water-cooled servo motor. One major advantage of this is that when the machine is at a standstill, the pump drive also stops, meaning no more idling losses. This ensures energy-efficient, low-emission operation and yields up to 50 percent energy savings, particularly for processes with long cooling times. Depending on the specific application, the Allrounder 470 H “” can save up to 12,000 kg of CO2 per year. At the same time, the machine’s cooling requirements and noise level are also significantly reduced.

High injection speeds

The “Premium” and “Ultimate” performance variants of the hybrid Allrounders meet the highest requirements in terms of dynamics and process capability thanks to its hydraulic accumulator technology. This works with a process-optimised accumulator volume and an energy-saving charging circuit. All axes of motion can be independently controlled and driven by means of separate control valves. The hydraulic accumulator ensures a consistent pressure level. The result: quick, dynamic simultaneous movements and more process setting options, such as injection during mould closing or embossing.

Easy to operate and maintain

User-friendliness and reliability are also important criteria for the new machine in order to save time and money on service and maintenance.

Thanks to a new oil management concept, the new Allrounder 470 H requires around 35 per cent less oil. The required cooling water capacity can be reduced by up to 70 per cent. The dry cycle time is also reduced by about one third.

Predictive maintenance is an important keyword here: for example, the machine automatically reports when the oil filter is due to be changed soon. Oil filters and connections are more accessible and the mounting locations for the central lubrication system, pneumatic system and interfaces have also been optimised.

https://www.arburg.com/en/

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Arburg at Plastimagen 2025

Exciting exhibits and digital solutions for sustainable parts production

• Slim in design and price: Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric produces automotive component
• Efficient and resource-saving: Allrounder 470 H with hybrid machine technology
• Digitalisation: host computer system, customer portal and remote service

 Plastimagen from 11 to 14 March 2025 in Mexico City is an important meeting place for players in the Mexican plastics industry. At stand 730 in hall D, Arburg will be presenting two innovative injection moulding machines: an electric Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric will be producing an exemplary component for the mobility sector, while an Allrounder 470 H will be demonstrating the benefits of hybrid machine technology in the production of a drinking cup. The Arburg experts will also be providing advice on all aspects of digitalisation and presenting novelties, e. g. regarding the ALS host computer system, the arburgXworld customer portal and the ARS remote service.

“The plastics market in Mexico is currently at a crucial point. Cost efficiency, optimised use of resources, increased production rates and flexibility are particularly in demand,” Mario Rodriguez, Managing Director of Arburg Mexico, is convinced. “We are therefore presenting two exhibits whose advanced machine technologies lead to considerable savings and greater sustainability in the short and long term. We are also emphasising our position as a technology leader and pioneer of digital transformation and giving our customers the opportunity to experience first-hand that ‘more than a machine’ and ‘maximum space savings’ are more than just concepts, but tangible realities that drive innovation and efficient, future-proof plastic parts production.”

Electric: Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric

The machine highlight at the trade fair stand is the new Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric. Sim in design and price – this is how its main advantages can be summarised. The high-quality machine technology includes a toggle clamping unit and direct drives from subsidiary AMKmotion. The electric injection moulding machine has a clamping force of 2,800 kN and is only 1,848 millimetres wide. It was designed in response to challenges such as increasing price pressure combined with rising labour, energy and material costs, ever shorter product life cycles and faster product changeovers. At Plastimagen 2025, a practical application for the mobility sector will be shown, which has been realised with the companies Kostal and Moya Mold Makers. Using the example of the production of indicator levers made from PA6-GF50, visitors to the trade fair will be able to see for themselves the high-performance, easily accessible machine, which can also be used flexibly in other industries.

Hybrid: Allrounder 470 H “Premium”

The hybrid all-rounders in the Hidrive series combine an electric, energy-efficient and precise clamping unit with a hydraulic, powerful and dynamic injection unit. Above all, they impress with reduced acquisition and operating costs, an optimised energy balance and reduced cycle times. The adaptable machines can be used in numerous industries, for example to produce household products or technical moulded parts. The exhibit, a hybrid Allrounder 470 H “Premium” with a clamping force of 1,000 kN, produces PP cups in Mexico using a 2-cavity mould as an example. A Multilift Select 8 linear robotic system removes the moulded parts and stacks them on a conveyor belt. The standard equipment of the “Premium” performance variant includes the “Arburg electromechanical dosing” (AED) function for longer dosing and the hydraulic accumulator technology with “Arburg servo hydraulics” (ASH).

“More than a machine” – comprehensive support

“As a reliable business partner, we provide our customers with comprehensive support. When you invest in Arburg, in addition to machine technology, you also receive automation, robotic systems, digital services and comprehensive after-sales support that is tailored to the individual needs of our customers,” emphasises Mario Rodriguez. “This holistic approach is essential to mastering the complexity of the market and achieving sustainable growth.”

Visitors can gain an overview of the comprehensive digital products and services at various stations on the exhibition stand. The Arburg experts will be demonstrating how the Arburg host computer system ALS, digital assistants and the features of the arburgXworld customer portal and the Arburg Remote Service ARS help to make plastics production smarter, more efficient and more sustainable.

https://www.arburg.com/en/

#arburg#InjectionMolding#modernplasticsindia  #modernplasticsasia #plasticsislife  #plasticstalk#modernplastics#modernplasticsworld #pasticsnews  #plasticsisgood  #plasticsplane#plasticsrecycling#plasticmagazine #plasticIndustry  #modernplasticsmiddleeast#indianmagazine #innovations #modernplasticsamerica#modernplasticsbangladesh#modernplasticsasia #modernplasticsitaly

Arburg: Electric Machine Technology

 Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric:  Slim In Design And Price

• Large: Electric Allrounder with 2,800 kN clamping force
• Attractive: Low investment costs, short delivery times, high level of flexibility
• Slimline: New design saves space and increases overall output

The Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric with a clamping force of 2,800 kN extends the product range of the electric series of the same name upwards. Its main advantages in a nutshell? A slim design with a price to match. The electric injection moulding machine launched on the market in 2024 is characterised by electrical precision and process stability as well as a small footprint and offers high component quality combined with low investment costs and short delivery times.

The extension of the electrical machine portfolio helps customers to meet current challenges such as increasing price pressure combined with rising costs for labour, energy and materials as well as shortening product life cycles and faster product changes. To enable attractive investment costs and a rapid return on investment (ROI), the company relies on standardised equipment without compromising on quality and performance. So the new “Golden” combines a high level of precision with a slimline design at a particularly attractive price/performance ratio.

Significantly smaller installation area

Arburg has optimised the design of the machine so that the new Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric, with a width of just 1,848 millimetres, has a significantly smaller installation area than other machines in its class. This has been achieved through features such as a new safety door with recessed handles. At the same time, the door opening has been widened to 1,400 millimetres, making the ejector area more accessible, for example.

The slim Allrounder fits into existing production grids and lines. Thanks to the new design, more machines can be set up in injection moulding production, resulting in an increased output per square metre. This is of particular interest when old machine technology needs to be replaced. However, even for new production facilities that are being planned, every achievable space saving is a valuable resource. Thanks to the slim design, more machines can be set up in injection moulding production, resulting in an increased output per square metre.

Reliable, stable machine technology

The Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric features high-quality machine technology to ensure stable and reliable plastic parts production. This includes a toggle-type clamping unit and direct drives from subsidiary AMKmotion. With an electric mould height adjustment system, mould installation heights of up to 800 millimetres are possible. The drive components are optimised for a clamping force of 2,800 kN. Proven, high-quality Arburg plasticising with the “aXw Control ScrewPilot” ensures reproducible injection and excellent moulded part quality.

Optimised mould venting with two-stage mould locking also plays a part in this. For convenient maintenance, the new electric Allrounder has the same control cabinet concept as the new hybrid machines. The lubrication unit and optional pneumatic system are easily accessible on the operating side. The parts chute in the machine base has been widened and is easily accessible.

Flexible in automation and application

The new electric machine is not limited to a specific product and is quickly available, which is particularly advantageous for short-term replacement purchases and capacity expansions. It is of interest to almost every industry and particularly suitable for technical injection moulding. Typical areas of application include dimensionally stable housings for electromobility, thick-walled closures for household goods, precision components for medical technology, and the construction and leisure industries.

The Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric is equipped with the Selogica ND control system as standard. If required, additional options and functions such as core pulls and heating and cooling circuits can be easily integrated and programmed. This means that a wide range of plastic parts can be produced flexibly, efficiently and reliably.

Furthermore, the new electric machine can be automated with linear Multilift robotic systems and six-axis robots from Arburg.

https://www.arburg.com/en/

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Interzero Revamps Leadership Structure

 The company has appointed a new CEO, CFO and CIO to head its entire business across Europe.

Interzero, a Berlin-based environmental service provider specializing in waste management, closed-loop solutions and plastics recycling, says it has established a single, groupwide corporate leadership team for all of Europe consisting of a chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO) and chief information officer (CIO). Jan Kroker has been named CEO, Yi Guo will serve as CFO and Claudia Wegener will serve as CIO. The company says advisory board member Peter Vogel is acting as interim CFO until Guo takes up his role.

Interzero says Kroker, Guo and Wegener are committed to continue bolstering the company’s positioning in a competition-oriented European market and further expand its role as an international extended producer responsibility (EPR) service provider.

“The circular economy should be more than just a national issue,” says Interzero Chairman and Owner Axel Schweitzer. “We are creating a consistent global positioning for Interzero to step up the internationalization of our company, deepen cross-border, interdepartmental collaboration along our value chain and strengthen our position as a leading international EPR system provider. The new groupwide leadership team will focus on pursuing Interzero’s vision of ‘a world without waste’ both strategically and operationally so that we can continue to work with our customers and partners to drive the circular economy.”

Going forward, the company says it also will focus on implementing sustainable closed-loop solutions as well as saving more materials from incineration and conserving resources via its role as an experienced plastics recycler. The company adds that digital solutions are increasingly vital to success when it comes to organizing efficient closed-loop solutions and has tasked Wegener with incorporating more digitalization into its corporate governance.

New leadership team

Kroker took over as Interzero’s CEO this month and previously was responsible for the company’s plastics recycling business. The company says he has a background in the chemicals industry and held senior management roles at KCA Deutag and BASF before joining Interzero.

Guo joins Interzero from the Alba Group Asia. After working for DZ Bank and HSH Nordbank (now Hamburg Commercial Bank AG), he moved to the Alba Group in early 2016. Most recently, he served as CFO of the Alba Group Asia with responsibility for strategy, finance and legal and has been part of the Interzero Holding management team since 2023.

Until Guo joins the management team, Interzero says Vogel will take responsibility for the group’s finances as interim CFO. Guo spent more than 10 years working for various auditing firms before moving to the Alba Group’s recycling business in 2010, where he served as CFO from 2017-2022. Vogel has been a member of Interzero’s advisory board since February 2023.

Wegener brings more than 10 years of expertise in IT and digital transformation processes, according to Interzero. She gained experience at companies including Deutsche Telekom before setting up and managing the Lizenzero online shop for packaging licensing from 2019 onward.

https://www.recyclingtoday.com/

#recyclingtoday#modernplasticsindia #modernplasticsasia #plasticsislife #plasticstalk   #modernplastics#modernplasticsworld#pasticsnews #plasticsisgood  #plasticsplane #plasticsrecycling#plasticmagazine    #plasticIndustry #modernplasticsmiddleeast#indianmagazine#innovations #modernplasticsamerica #modernplasticsbangladesh#modernplasticsasia #modernplasticsitaly

Sustainable Yogurt Pots: Rpet Makes It Possible

Together with machine manufacturer ENGEL, mould maker Brink, label maker iPB Printing and joint venture partner INTOPACK, ALPLA is realising thin-walled cups made from recycled PET material for dairy products for the first time. The innovative solution meets all the requirements of the PPWR and is set to go into series production from the 4th quarter of 2025.

Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese spreads, pudding, cream and curd cheese are to be packaged in a more environmentally friendly way in the EU in the future. The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) sets the direction. From 2030, plastic food packaging must contain a minimum percentage of recycled material – otherwise penalties may be imposed. The problem: cups for dairy products are made of PP (polypropylene) or PS (polystyrene) – and for both there is no approved recycling material from the mechanical recycling process for contact with food. Small quantities are only available through chemical recycling, which is far more costly and energy-intensive. Too little for widespread use.

ALPLA has the solution, and it is based on the all-rounder PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Together with machine manufacturer ENGEL, mould maker Brink, label maker iPB Printing and joint venture partner INTOPACK, the injection moulding division ALPLAinject has succeeded in producing thin-walled PET plastic cups with recycled material for the first time. rePETec stands for the interplay of innovative technology, mould, process and material treatment. For the first time, the single-stage injection moulding process allows for fully recyclable packaging made of up to 100 per cent rPET. For example, the 30 percent recycled material content required by the PPWR for PET is easily possible.

Established material cycle for PET

‘With rePETec, we create stable packaging with thin walls made of rPET, can recycle it after use and access the existing and established PET recycling stream. None of this has been feasible so far. With this solution, manufacturers of dairy products meet all legal requirements and at the same time strengthen the regional circular economy, ’ explains Thomas Maibohm, Head of Sales and Product Management Thin-wall Packaging at ALPLA. Following the successful test phase, ALPLA and INTOPACK are planning to start series production from the 4th quarter of 2025 – initially with the two standard formats of 180 and 300 millilitres. Others are to follow successively. Depending on the customer’s requirements, the filling volume can be from 100 to 500 millilitres.

Thin and tight

0.32 millimetres thin walls and integrated in-mould labeling (IML) minimize weight and material consumption. The higher specific weight of rPET is more than compensated by significantly better barrier properties. This increases the shelf life compared to conventional PP cups. ‘This opens up new opportunities for dairy products and can prevent food waste,’ says Thomas Maibohm.

The high-quality rPET is contributed  by system provider ALPLA from its own recycling plants in Europe – ALPLAinject meets ALPLArecycling.

‘Quality and availability are guaranteed in the long term,’ says Thomas Maibohm, emphasizing the benefits. After use, the PET yogurt pots can be included in the already established PET bottle cycle. The PP label is first removed from the packaging during mechanical recycling. ‘The cups enrich the ‘bottle-to-bottle’ cycle. In the future, a bottle can become a cup and then back into a bottle and so on. This saves resources, avoids waste and is financially unbeatable,’ Thomas Maibohm is convinced.

https://www.alpla.com/

#alpla#modernplasticsindia #modernplasticsasia #plasticsislife #plasticstalk   #modernplastics#modernplasticsworld#pasticsnews #plasticsisgood #plasticsplane  #plasticsrecycling#plasticmagazine   #plasticIndustry #modernplasticsmiddleeast#indianmagazine#innovations #modernplasticsamerica #modernplasticsbangladesh#modernplasticsasia #modernplasticsitaly